Washcloth Expander Device

ABSTRACT

A washcloth expander tool for keeping a washcloth in an expanded orientation. The washcloth expander tool comprises a pair of generally curved wands that are connected along a center pivot point. The pair of wands are oriented in an approximately perpendicular configuration when in use. Each end of each wand comprises a washcloth attachment element for attaching to a corner of the washcloth. A rail component is attachable to one of the wands and a finger engaging component can attach to a variety of positions along the rail component. The finger engaging component comprises a plurality of finger loops for a user&#39;s fingers to hold the washcloth expander tool attached to the washcloth.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/943,481, which was filed on Dec. 4, 2019 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to tool for use with a washcloth, and more specifically to a tool for keeping a washcloth expanded during use. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By way of background, a washcloth or similar cleaning towel is generally a smaller absorbent toweling used for cleaning. People use washcloths and wash rags for bathing, washing dishes, cleaning a car, and the like. Washcloths are similar to towels but are generally smaller and intended to use wet or damp. They may be used with a soap solution to clean surfaces including a human body. Unfortunately, they are non-rigid in construction as they are generally made from cloth materials, so they have a tendency to bunch up during use.

Holding the washcloth in an open and expanded position can be difficult as washcloths inherently have no rigid structure. It can be difficult to hold on to a washcloth while using it and trying to use as much surface area as possible. Dropped washcloths can contaminate or dirty the washcloth requiring cleaning before reuse. Without an effective way to grip the washcloth and keep it open, wadding easily occurs decreasing the effectiveness of using the washcloth to clean a body or other surface.

In this manner, the improved washcloth expander tool of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby providing an easy solution keeping a washcloth expanded during use. A primary feature of the present invention is a tool having a semi-rigid frame for engaging the washcloth to keep it in an expanded position at all times. In use, the expander tool engages the user's fingers for ease of use. Finally, the improved expander tool of the present invention keeps the washcloth in an expanded configuration to use the most surface area as possible during cleaning operations.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a washcloth expander tool. The washcloth expander tool is configured to keep a washcloth in an expanded and open configuration. The washcloth expander tool comprises a first wand and a second wand. The first and second wands are generally curved and convex in shape. The first wand comprises a pair of ends and a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from each respective end. The first wand further comprises a center hole. The second wand is similarly sized to the first wand. The second wand comprises a pair of ends and a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from each respective end. The second wand comprises a center hole. Each of the pairs of washcloth attachment elements are configured to grab or clip to a corner of the washcloth.

The second wand is rotatably attachable to the first wand and is positioned over the first wand with the center holes aligned. The second wand is attached to the first wand with a connecting element. The second wand can rotate up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool is deployed for use.

The washcloth expander tool further comprises a rail component. The rail component is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand along a length of the second wand. The rail component comprises a plurality of attachment knobs and a center hole. The rail component is attached to the second wand via the connecting element.

The washcloth expander tool further comprises a finger engaging component. The finger engaging component comprises a curved bar and a knob engaging element. The knob engaging element is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs of the rail component. This allows positioning of the finger engaging component to be adaptable for the user. The curved bar is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component when installed. The finger engaging component further comprises a plurality of finger loops extending from the curved bar. The plurality of finger loops are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

In an additional embodiment, a washcloth expander tool comprises a first wand and a second wand. The first and second wands are generally curved and convex in shape. The first wand comprises a pair of ends and a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from each respective end. The first wand further comprises a center hole. The second wand is longer in length than the first wand to accommodate rectangular washcloths. The second wand comprises a pair of ends and a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from each respective end. The second wand comprises a center hole. Each of the pairs of washcloth attachment elements are configured to grab or clip to a corner of the washcloth.

The second wand is rotatably attachable to the first wand and is positioned over the first wand with the center holes aligned. The second wand is attached to the first wand with a connecting element. The second wand can rotate up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool is deployed for use.

The washcloth expander tool further comprises a rail component. The rail component is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand along a length of the second wand. The rail component comprises a plurality of attachment knobs and a center hole. The rail component is attached to the second wand via the connecting element.

The washcloth expander tool further comprises a finger engaging component. The finger engaging component comprises a curved bar and a knob engaging element. The knob engaging element is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs of the rail component. The curved bar is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component when installed. The finger engaging component further comprises a plurality of finger loops extending from the curved bar configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

In an additional embodiment, a washcloth expander tool comprises a first wand and a second wand. The first and second wands are generally curved and convex in shape. The first and second wands are adjustable in length to accommodate differently shaped washcloths. The first wand comprises a pair of ends and an extension member telescoping from one of the ends. The first wand further comprises a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from one end and the extension member. The first wand further comprises a center hole. The second wand comprises a pair of ends and an extension member telescoping from one of the ends. The second wand further comprises a pair of washcloth attachment elements attached to or extending from one end and the extension member. The second wand further comprises a center hole. Each of the pairs of washcloth attachment elements are configured to grab or clip to a corner of the washcloth.

The second wand is rotatably attachable to the first wand and is positioned over the first wand with the center holes aligned. The second wand is attached to the first wand with a connecting element. The second wand can rotate up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool is deployed for use.

The washcloth expander tool further comprises a rail component. The rail component is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand along a length of the second wand. The rail component comprises a plurality of attachment knobs and a center hole. The rail component is attached to the second wand via the connecting element.

The washcloth expander tool further comprises a finger engaging component. The finger engaging component comprises a curved bar and a knob engaging element. The knob engaging element is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs of the rail component. The curved bar is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component when installed. The finger engaging component further comprises a plurality of finger loops extending from the curved bar configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a washcloth expander tool of the present invention for use in keeping a washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the washcloth expander tool of the present invention engaging the washcloth to keep the washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the washcloth expander tool of the present invention engaging the washcloth to keep the washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates an overhead perspective view of one potential embodiment of the washcloth expander tool of the present invention engaging the washcloth to keep the washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates an overhead view of one potential embodiment of the washcloth in an expanded orientation with the washcloth expander tool of the present invention keeping the washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of one potential embodiment of the washcloth expander tool of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the washcloth expander tool of the present invention folded up when not in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a washcloth expander tool of the present invention for use in keeping a washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a washcloth expander tool of the present invention for use in keeping a washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a finger engaging component of the washcloth expander tool of the present invention for use in keeping a washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a one potential embodiment of a finger engaging component of the washcloth expander tool of the present invention for use in keeping a washcloth expanded in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a tool for keeping a washcloth from collapsing or bunching up during use. The user can then utilize the entire surface of the washcloth rather than just the center or corners. The device comprises a pair of intersecting and adjustable wands with clips on the ends to hold the washcloth corners. Finger holders on the upper wand can adjust laterally on a railing system for further control. More specifically, the finger holders enable the user to apply their entire hand to the washcloth while the washcloth remains in an expanded state. The device helps the user better control and hold onto the washcloth.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a washcloth expander tool 100. The washcloth expander tool 100 is configured to keep a washcloth in an expanded and open configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 2-5. The washcloth expander tool 100 comprises a first wand 102 and a second wand 112. The first and second wands 102 and 112 are generally curved and convex in shape. The first and second wands 102 and 112 may be manufactured from plastic or metal and may be flexible in construction.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, the first wand 102 comprises a pair of ends 104 and a pair of washcloth attachment elements 108. Each washcloth attachment elements 108 is attached to or extends from one of the respective ends 104. The first wand 102 further comprises a center hole 110. The second wand 112 is similarly sized to the first wand 102. The second wand 112 comprises a pair of ends 114 and a pair of washcloth attachment elements 118 attached to or extending from each respective end 114. The second wand 112 further comprises a center hole 120. The washcloth attachment elements 108 and 118 may be hooks, clips, alligator clips, grabbers, or any other similar gripping element configured to engage, grasp or clip to and hold a different corner of the washcloth.

The second wand 112 is rotatably attachable to the first wand 102 and is positioned over the first wand 102 with the center holes 110 and 120 aligned. The second wand 112 is attached to the first wand 102 with a connecting element 130. The second wand 112 can rotate perpendicularly up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand 102 from a parallel in-line orientation as illustrated in FIG. 7 to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool 100 is deployed for use as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The washcloth expander tool 100 further comprises a rail component 122. The rail component 122 comprises a bar 124. The bar 124 is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand 112 along a length of the second wand 112. The rail component 122 further comprises a plurality of attachment knobs 126 and a center hole 128. The rail component 122 is attached to the second wand 112 via the connecting element 130 through the center hole 128 which is aligned with the center holes 110 and 120 of the first and second wands 102 and 112 respectively. Alternatively, the rail component 122 may be otherwise mechanically or adhesively attached to the second wand 112. The plurality of attachment knobs 126 are spaced along a length of the rail component 122.

The washcloth expander tool 100 further comprises a finger engaging component 132. The finger engaging component 132 comprises a bar 134 and a knob engaging element 136. The knob engaging element 136 is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs 126 of the rail component 122. This allows positioning of the finger engaging component 132 to be adaptable for the user. The bar 134 is convex in shape and is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component 122 and the second wand 112 when installed. The finger engaging component 132 further comprises a plurality of finger loops 138 extending from the bar 134. The plurality of finger loops 138 are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, a finger engaging component 132(a) may comprise a bar 134(a) and a knob engaging element 136(a). The knob engaging element 136(a) is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs 126 of the rail component 122. The bar 134(a) is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component 122 and the second wand 112 when installed. The finger engaging component 132(a) further comprises a plurality of finger holes 138(a) embedded within the bar 134(a). The plurality of finger holes 138(a) are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, a finger engaging component 132(b) may comprise a bar 134(b) and a knob engaging element 136(b). The knob engaging element 136(b) is configured to releasably slide along the the rail component 122. The bar 134(b) is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component 122 and the second wand 112 when installed. The finger engaging component 132(b) further comprises a plurality of finger holes 138(b) embedded within the bar 134(b). The plurality of finger holes 138(b) are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

In an additional embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 8, a washcloth expander tool 200 comprises a first wand 202 and a second wand 212. The first and second wands 202 and 212 are generally curved and convex in shape. The first wand 202 comprises a pair of ends 204 and a pair of washcloth attachment elements 208. Each washcloth attachment elements 208 is attached to or extends from one of the respective ends 204. The first wand 202 further comprises a center hole (similar to 110). The second wand 212 is similarly sized to the first wand 202. The second wand 212 comprises a pair of ends 214 and a pair of washcloth attachment elements 218 attached to or extending from each respective end 214. The second wand 212 further comprises a center hole (similar to 120). The washcloth attachment elements 208 and 218 may be hooks, clips, grabbers, or any other similar gripping element configured to engage, grasp or clip to and hold a different corner of the washcloth.

The second wand 212 is rotatably attachable to the first wand 202 and is positioned over the first wand 202 with the center holes 210 and 220 aligned. The second wand 212 is attached to the first wand 202 with a connecting element (similar to 130). The second wand 212 can rotate perpendicularly up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand 202 from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool 200 is deployed for use. The second wand 212 is longer in length than the first wand 202 to accommodate rectangular washcloths. Alternatively, the first wand 202 may be longer than the second wand 212.

The washcloth expander tool 200 further comprises a rail component 222. The rail component 222 comprises a bar 224. The bar 224 is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand 212 along a length of the second wand 212. The rail component 222 further comprises a plurality of attachment knobs 226 and a center hole 228. The rail component 222 is attached to the second wand 212 via the connecting element (similar to 130) through the center hole 228 which is aligned with the center holes (similar to 110 and 120) of the first and second wands 202 and 212 respectively. Alternatively, the rail component 222 may be otherwise mechanically or adhesively attached to the second wand 212. The plurality of attachment knobs 226 are spaced along a length of the rail component 222.

The washcloth expander tool 200 further comprises a finger engaging component 232. The finger engaging component 232 comprises a bar 234 and a knob engaging element 236. The knob engaging element (similar to 136) is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs 226 of the rail component 222. This allows positioning of the finger engaging component 232 to be adaptable for the user. The bar 234 is typically curved or convex in shape and is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component 222 and the second wand 212 when installed. The finger engaging component 232 further comprises a plurality of finger loops 238 extending from the curved bar 234. The plurality of finger loops 238 are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

In an additional embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 9, a washcloth expander tool 300 comprises a first wand 302 and a second wand 312. The first and second wands 302 and 312 are generally curved and convex in shape. The first and second wands 302 and 312 are adjustable in length to accommodate differently shaped washcloths. The first wand 302 comprises a pair of ends 304 and an extension member 306 telescoping from one of the ends 304. The first wand 302 further comprises a pair of washcloth attachment elements 308 attached to or extending from one end 304 and from the extension member 306. The first wand 302 further comprises a center hole (similar to 110).

The second wand 312 comprises a pair of ends 314 and an extension member 316 telescoping from one of the ends 314. The second wand 312 further comprises a pair of washcloth attachment elements 318 attached to or extending from one end 314 and from the extension member 316. The second wand 312 comprises a center hole (similar to 120). The extension members 306 and 316 allow the respective first and second wands 302 and 312 to adjust in length to accommodate various sized and shaped washcloths. Each of the pairs of washcloth attachment elements 318 are configured to engage, grasp or clip to and hold a different corner of the washcloth.

The second wand 312 is rotatably attachable to the first wand 302 and is positioned over the first wand 302 with the center holes aligned. The second wand 312 is attached to the first wand 302 with a connecting element (similar to 130). The second wand 312 can rotate perpendicularly up to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first wand 302 from a parallel in-line orientation to a perpendicular orientation when the washcloth expander tool 300 is deployed for use.

The washcloth expander tool 300 further comprises a rail component 322. The rail component 322 comprises a bar 324. The bar 324 is curved and centrally attached to an outside surface of the second wand 312 along a length of the second wand 312. The rail component 322 further comprises a plurality of attachment knobs 326 and a center hole 328. The rail component 322 is attached to the second wand 312 via the connecting element (similar to 130) through the center hole 328 which is aligned with the center holes (similar to 110 and 120) of the first and second wands 302 and 312 respectively. Alternatively, the rail component 322 may be otherwise mechanically or adhesively attached to the second wand 312. The plurality of attachment knobs 326 are spaced along a length of the rail component 322.

The washcloth expander tool 300 further comprises a finger engaging component 332. The finger engaging component 332 comprises a bar 334 and a knob engaging element 336. The knob engaging element 336 is configured to releasably mate with the plurality of attachment knobs 326 of the rail component 322. This allows positioning of the finger engaging component 332 to be adaptable for the user. The bar 334 is typically curved or convex in shape and is perpendicularly oriented to the rail component 322 and the second wand 312 when installed. The finger engaging component 332 further comprises a plurality of finger loops 338 extending from the curved bar 334. The plurality of finger loops 338 are configured to engage the user's fingers when in use.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the washcloth expander tools 100, 200, and 300 can by any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the washcloth expander tools 100, 200, and 300 and its various components, as show in the FIGS. Are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the washcloth expander tools 100, 200, and 300 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the washcloth expander tools 100, 200, and 300 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the washcloth expander tools 100, 200, and 300 and its various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the washcloth expander tools 100, 200, and 300 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to the washcloths the washcloth expander tools 100, 200, and 300 are designed to be applied.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A washcloth expander tool for keeping a washcloth expanded comprising: a first wand comprising a pair of washcloth attachment elements; a second wand comprising a pair of washcloth attachment elements, the second wand rotatably attached to the first wand; a rail component attached to the second wand; and a finger engaging component attachable to the rail component.
 2. The washcloth expander tool of claim 1, wherein the second wand rotates perpendicularly with respect to the first wand.
 3. The washcloth expander tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second wands are convex in shape.
 4. The washcloth expander tool of claim 1, wherein each or the pairs of washcloth attachment elements is configured to engage a different corner of the washcloth.
 5. The washcloth expander tool of claim 1, wherein the first wand is pivotally attached to the second wand via a connecting element.
 6. The washcloth expander tool of claim 1, wherein each pair of washcloth attachment elements are attached to the corresponding first or second wand at a pair of ends of the first and second wands.
 7. The washcloth expander tool of claim 1, wherein the rail component is centrally attached to the second wand along a length of the second wand.
 8. The washcloth expander tool of claim 1, wherein the rail component comprises a plurality of attachment knobs.
 9. The washcloth expander tool of claim 1, wherein the finger engaging component comprises a knob engaging element for engaging the rail component.
 10. The washcloth expander tool of claim 1, wherein the finger engaging component comprises a plurality of finger loops.
 11. The washcloth expander tool of claim 1, wherein the finger engaging component is convex in shape.
 12. The washcloth expander tool of claim 1, wherein the finger engaging component is perpendicularly oriented to the second wand when attached to the rail component.
 13. A washcloth expander tool for keeping a washcloth expanded comprising: a first wand comprising a pair of washcloth attachment elements; a second wand comprising a pair of washcloth attachment elements, the second wand rotatably attached to the first wand; a rail component attached to the second wand; and a finger engaging component attachable to the rail component; and wherein the second wand is longer than the first wand.
 14. The washcloth expander tool of claim 13, wherein the second wand rotates perpendicularly with respect to the first wand.
 15. The washcloth expander tool of claim 13, wherein the rail component is centrally attached to the second wand and comprises a plurality of attachment knobs.
 16. The washcloth expander tool of claim 13, wherein the finger engaging component comprises a knob engaging element for engaging the rail component and a plurality of finger loops.
 17. A washcloth expander tool for keeping a washcloth expanded comprising: a first wand comprising a pair of washcloth attachment elements and an extension member; a second wand comprising a pair of washcloth attachment elements and an extension member, the second wand rotatably attached to the first wand; a rail component attached to the second wand; and a finger engaging component attachable to the rail component.
 18. The washcloth expander tool of claim 17, wherein the second wand rotates perpendicularly with respect to the first wand.
 19. The washcloth expander tool of claim 18, wherein the rail component is centrally attached to the second wand and comprises a plurality of attachment knobs.
 20. The washcloth expander tool of claim 19, wherein the finger engaging component comprises a knob engaging element for engaging the rail component and a plurality of finger loops. 